American Legion of Iowa Boys State

American Legion of Iowa Boys State At Boys State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. high school students.

The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, Boys State was founded in 1935 to counter the socialism-inspired Young

Pioneer Camps. The program was the idea of two Illinois Legionnaires, Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card, who organized the first Boys State at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield. American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a separate but similar program for young women called Girls State. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs. Legion posts select high school juniors to attend the program. In most cases, individual expenses are paid by a sponsoring post, a local business or another community-based organization. Boys State programs currently exist in all Legion departments in the United States except Hawaii. As separate corporations, Boys State programs vary in content and method of procedure, but each adheres to the same basic concept: teaching government from the township to the state level.

A sincere thank you to Senator Chuck Grassley for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with Iowa’s representativ...
07/23/2026

A sincere thank you to Senator Chuck Grassley for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with Iowa’s representatives at The American Legion Boys Nation.

Your willingness to share your experiences, answer questions, and encourage the next generation of leaders made a lasting impact. Opportunities like these give our delegates a firsthand look at public service and the importance of civic engagement.

A huge shoutout to Anthony and Alex for representing Iowa with pride at The American Legion Boys Nation! 🇺🇸These outstan...
07/23/2026

A huge shoutout to Anthony and Alex for representing Iowa with pride at The American Legion Boys Nation! 🇺🇸

These outstanding young leaders have done an incredible job, demonstrating integrity, leadership, and a commitment to serving others. We couldn’t be more proud of the way they’ve represented our state on the national stage.

07/19/2026

Welcome to Washington, Senator Adair! Representing Iowa as a member of the Nationalist Party, Senator Adair is one of 100 outstanding young men selected for 2026 American Legion Boys Nation. Congratulations on this well-earned honor!



The American Legion National Headquarters
American Legion of Iowa Boys State

07/18/2026

Another outstanding delegate joins us - welcome, Senator O'Connell of Iowa! A member of the Federalist Party, Senator O'Connell is one of 100 young men earning this honor at 2026 American Legion Boys Nation. So proud to have you here.



The American Legion National Headquarters
American Legion of Iowa Boys State

Iowa Boys State doesn’t just happen.It takes a large number of volunteers, dedicated staff, trusted vendors, and countle...
07/06/2026

Iowa Boys State doesn’t just happen.

It takes a large number of volunteers, dedicated staff, trusted vendors, and countless hours of preparation to make one week that truly shapes a lifetime.

This morning, Director Mike Vaughn and Deputy Director Jordan Pope had the opportunity to visit our outstanding partners at Great Caterers of Iowa to personally thank them for everything they do and present them with an Iowa Boys State Challenge Coin as a small token of our appreciation.

Joni, Eric, and their incredible team work tirelessly to keep more than 350 young men well-fed throughout the week. Their professionalism, hospitality, and outstanding food play a huge role in making the Iowa Boys State experience a success, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership.

If you’re heading to the Iowa State Fair next month, be sure to stop by one of Great Caterers of Iowa’s three fantastic food stands—including The Rib Shack—and support a local business that helps make Iowa Boys State possible.

Thank you, Joni, Eric, and the entire Great Caterers of Iowa team. We couldn’t do it without you! ❤️💙

Do you miss Boys State already? Take a trip back through an unforgettable week of leadership, learning, friendship, and ...
07/02/2026

Do you miss Boys State already?

Take a trip back through an unforgettable week of leadership, learning, friendship, and memories that will last a lifetime. From city competitions and government sessions to meeting new friends from across Iowa, these moments capture what makes Iowa Boys State so special.

Scroll through the photos, relive your favorite memories, and let us know:
📸 What's your favorite Iowa Boys State memory?

Tag your fellow delegates, counselors, and staff, and help us celebrate another incredible year of building tomorrow's leaders.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wLvCznia54QbjJAe8

Shared album · Tap to view!

Congratulations to the delegates of Etzel City on an incredible victory in the Boys State Cup at Iowa Boys State! Throug...
06/26/2026

Congratulations to the delegates of Etzel City on an incredible victory in the Boys State Cup at Iowa Boys State! Through teamwork, determination, and strong leadership, Etzel City rose to the top and earned the title of this year’s champion city. 🏆

As Iowa Boys State comes to a close, we look back on an incredible week filled with leadership, learning, friendship, an...
06/26/2026

As Iowa Boys State comes to a close, we look back on an incredible week filled with leadership, learning, friendship, and memories that will last a lifetime.

From the first day of check-in, to the Boys State Fair, visits to the Iowa State Capitol, hearing from elected leaders, engaging in city and government activities, and building new friendships, our delegates have experienced what it means to be active citizens and future leaders.

A huge thank you goes out to all of the volunteers, staff, speakers, sponsors, and everyone who helped make this week possible. Most importantly, congratulations to our Boys Staters for stepping up, getting involved, and making the most of this opportunity.

The week may be over, but the lessons learned and connections made will continue long after everyone heads home. We can’t wait to see what these young leaders accomplish next.

06/26/2026

Address

720 Lyon Street
Des Moines, IA
50309

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